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Tara/White-fronted Tern Sterna striata

Endemic. At risk-declining.

 

The White-fronted Tern may be seen on the beach or the mudflats. It hunts for fish in coastal waters or a short distance further out.

White-fronted Terns are a medium-sized tern with a black cap on the crown and nape which is separated from the black beak by a strip of white. In non-breeding plumage there is more white between the beak and cap. The upperparts are grey, and the lower parts white. The long tail is white and forked.

 

Frequently seen either perched on the beach or actively hunting for fish which they catch by diving into the water.

nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/white-fronted tern

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